Best Camping Hammocks: The Ultimate Buyers Guide

I grew up camping in a tent—who didn’t? Until recently, I had never even heard of camping in a hammock. One of my friends recently bought a camping hammock, and I thought at first he was just looking to challenge himself to an even more rustic approach to sleeping in the woods. But he gave me a chance to borrow it for a weekend trip, and I’m sold.

A camping hammock sounds like downgrading from a tent, but in reality it is an upgrade in several ways:

Sleeping in a hammock is a lot more comfortable than sleeping on the hard ground, if you are positioning yourself correctly. You generally will get more restful sleep and wake up feeling far more refreshed.

​You can set up anywhere you can rig up the hammock. It doesn’t matter if the ground is wet, muddy, rocky, or covered in brush. A hammock hanging kit makes it easy to find a spot to set up.

You get more fresh air and circulation. This can be very welcoming when you are sleeping in a warm environment. A tent can easily become stuffy.

Worried that your hammock won’t be fully equipped with all the features you’d find in a tent? Never fear—camping hammocks now can be purchased with rain covers, mosquito nets, and even gear lofts.

Types of Camping Hammocks

There are a few common configurations for camping hammocks:

Gathered end asymmetric single hammocks: The vast majority of camping hammocks feature a gathered end asymmetric design. As this name indicates, both ends are bunched together (not flat). The word “asymmetric” refers to the asymmetric shape of the hammock, which allows you to sleep diagonally inside. This provides for flatter positioning. All gathered end asymmetric hammocks are fairly wide. Single hammocks are narrower than double hammocks, but still feel very roomy.

​Gathered end asymmetric double hammocks: This is just like the single gathered end asymmetric hammock, only it is wider. It still is really only large enough to sleep one person however.

Bridge hammocks: This type of hammock is far less popular. The ends are not gathered, and a spreader bar at either end reinforces them so they remain flat. The sleeping surface is technically flatter than that you’d find in a gathered end hammock, but these hammocks are heavier, and the bars can be a bit unwieldy. Some people find these hammocks constricting.

How do you choose a shape? It is all down to what you find comfortable. Some people prefer the flatter sleeping surface of a bridge hammock, but others find them claustrophobic and prefer the more open design of a gathered end hammock. Also think about how far you typically hike with your hammock. If you hike long distances, the gathered end design may be less of a burden. Keep in mind you are allowed to substitute trekking poles for the spreader bars in some bridge hammocks however.

Factors to Consider:

Dimensions: You will not find a lot of variety in terms of length. If you are tall, make sure that the hammock you buy is longer than 8 feet. As far as width goes, you will find hammocks anywhere from 4-8.5 feet or so. In theory, a couple can sleep comfortably in a hammock which is 6-7 feet wide, but many people are uncomfortable doubling up even in hammocks designed for the purpose. This is all down to subjective preference. Should you buy an extra-wide hammock if you are claustrophobic? Not necessarily—sometimes this can cause the hammock to wrap up around you, which may just make you more uncomfortable.

​Weight capacity: You need to make sure the camping hammock is not only large enough for you, but also has the capacity to support your weight. Weight capacity limits for camping hammocks usually range anywhere from 150-200 pounds.

​Weight: The weight of the hammock itself is very important to consider as well since you will be hauling it around with you on foot. Some hammocks weigh several pounds, while others might weigh in at just 7 ounces. Keep in mind you also will need to account for the weight of the suspension system. If you want to minimize the weight of the hammock, buy an ultralight model.

​Insulation: The material of a hammock determines how well-insulated it is. If you are going to be camping in warm environments and seasons, breathable nylon is an ideal choice. If you will be camping in chillier conditions, consider a cotton hammock.

Suspension options: Hammocks which include a variety of attachment points provide you with more flexibility for your setup.

Accessories to Buy

While you are shopping for your camping hammock, there are a number of accessories you may need to purchase as well. Some hammocks include some accessories, but with others, you may need to buy your accessories separately:

Carbiners and straps: You need a suspension system to tether your hammock between trees. This should include webbing straps which are 0.75 inches wide or wider, nylon ropes, and synthetic tree slings. You will need a pair of carbiners as well, which may or may not be included with the suspension system. While some hammocks come with a suspension system, for others you may need to buy one separately.

​Under-quilts and sleeping quilts: A sleeping quilt is a typical quilt that you put over top of your body while you are sleeping. But cold can seep up from below as well, and that is where an under-quilt comes into play. This is attached to the underside of your hammock to provide extra insulation below. Why do you need to put it underneath the hammock and not inside it? If you lie down directly on the under-quilt, you compact it. This makes it less effective.

​Tarps: Many people shy away from hammocks because they are worried about rain. But a tent is not the only way to put a roof over your head in the wild. You can also buy an optional weatherproof tarp for your hammock. This will provide you with an effective shield against rain and wind. With a tarp over your hammock, it is almost like sleeping in a tent that is hoisted above the ground!

But nets: Many hammocks actually come with bug nets now, but you can also choose to purchase one separately.

Now you know why a camping hammock may be a superior option over a tent, and you are familiar with key features that are important to consider when you are shopping. You also know which accessories which can add value to your purchase. So let’s check out some of the top-recommended products in each category!

Best Gathered End Asymmetric Single Camping Hammock:

Complete Hammock System: Parachute Nylon Deluxe Single

OUR REVIEW: 5.0 / 5.0

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For gathered end asymmetric single camping hammocks, this is our top pick. You can buy this hammock for $30-$90 on the market right now. That is a wide price range, so if you can find it at the lower end of that bracket, you are securing a great deal. The consensus rating right now is 5 stars.

Key Features:

Triple-stitched 210T parachute nylon

​Rated to 400 pounds and tested for up to 600 pounds

Straps included

What the Complete Hammock System Parachute Nylon Deluxe Single is best for:

This hammock system is ideal if you will be sleeping on your own and want a lightweight, affordable hammock which offers supreme stability. It is easy to climb in and out of, and you can set it up in just 90 seconds.

Pros and Cons:

This hammock comes with a convenient compression sack which can carry both the hammock and the straps—convenient if you tend to forget your straps. The suspension system will not damage trees, and the hammock is designed for fast, easy set-up. Triple stitching keeps the system strong and secure. Even though this hammock only sleeps one, it is comfortable enough for two to sit in.

Customers praise the sturdy materials, the simple, convenient design, and the low price. While researching, I really found no major drawbacks with this hammock. So long as it is the configuration you need, it is a fabulous choice.

Best Gathered End Asymmetric Double Camping Hammock:

Bear But #1 Double Parachute Camping Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.8 / 5.0

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This is an extremely popular camping hammock which you can buy in the very reasonable price range of $30-$60. It is available in a variety of different colors. The consensus is that it deserves a 5 star rating.

Key Features:

What the Bear But #1 Double Parachute Camping Hammock is best for:

This is a good hammock to choose if you either want to sleep double with a partner or you want an extra-wide hammock for yourself. Customers say that the extra width makes it easy to lie down diagonally and get a full night’s rest without your legs falling asleep. This is a great product to buy if you are concerned your weight might exceed the safe limits of a single size hammock.

Pros and Cons:

Customers say that this hammock is sturdy and comfortable, and that the large size and weight capacity make it an ideal choice for any body type. The bag it comes with is attached so that you do not lose it. The only major disadvantage is that the tree straps which are included require you to tie knots anytime you want to set up, so you pretty much need to buy a separate set of daisy chain straps. Like the Complete Hammock System above, the Bear But #1 Double Parachute Camping Hammock is an incredible value at a fraction of the cost of many competing camping hammocks.

Best Gathered End Single or Double:

Wise Owl Ultimate Single & Double Camping Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.9 / 5.0

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This incredibly popular camping hammock is available in a single or double size. The consensus rating is 5/5 stars, and you can buy it on sale for just $20-$50. It is available in numerous different color combinations, so there is something to suit every taste.

Key Features:

​Single weighs 1 pound, double weighs 26 ounces

​400 pound weight capacity

Backed by a full refund guarantee from the manufacturer

What the Wise Owl Ultimate Single & Double Camping Hammock is best for:

This is a fabulous hammock to purchase if you are looking to save money. Right now it is one of the best deals out there. Because it is available in both single and double sizes and a wide variety of colors, it is easy to buy exactly what you need.

Pros and Cons:

According to customers, the Wise Owl Ultimate Single & Double Camping Hammock is both compact and lightweight, perfect for spring and summer outings. The stuff sack is attached for your convenience, and the hammock comes with two ultra-strong carabiners. The triple stitching makes it incredibly strong, but a few buyers did note that it does not seem like it really can support up to 400 pounds. So you may wish to be cautious if you are concerned about encroaching on this weight limit.

Also note that the hammock comes with ropes, which are not the most eco-friendly choice. It is a good idea to purchase separate straps. These are safer for trees and are permitted on more campgrounds.

PeakUp Premium Camping Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.9 / 5.0

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Another highly rated camping hammock which you can buy in a single or double size is the PeakUp Premium Camping hammock. This hammock has many positive ratings online, averaging out to 5/5 stars. You can buy it on the market in the $50-$70 range. You can choose from any of four different colors and designs.

Key Features:

What the PeakUp Premium Camping Hammock is best for:

If you are looking for a wide, comfortable hammock which is compact, lightweight, and inexpensive, the PeakUp Premium Camping Hammock is a good option. Whether you buy the single or double size, you will find that the Premium Camping Hammock is roomy and cozy.

Pros and Cons:

Buyers report that this hammock is study and easy to set up. It comes with everything you need: the stuff sack, the tree straps, and of course the hammock itself, but it includes some extras as well: a flashlight and a battery. Customers also like the bold colors and beautiful designs. I did not come across any significant drawbacks reading customer reviews.

Best Ultralight Camping Hammocks:

The Rocky Peak Ultralight Camping Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.6 / 5.0

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This camping hammock can be purchased for $30-$50, and has been rated with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by hundreds of customers online. It can be purchased in a number of exciting color combinations. As the name indicates, it is designed to cut back on the ounces you need to haul around while backpacking.

What The Rocky Peak Ultralight Camping Hammock is best for:

Because this camping hammock is designed to be extra light and compact (folded up and stuffed in the sack, it is roughly the size of a grapefruit), it is an ideal choice if you are going to be hiking or backpacking long distances. It will fatigue you less than some heavier hammocks on the market. The material is breathable, making it a perfect choice for warm weather camping.

Pros and Cons:

This hammock is inexpensive, and buyers report that is as lightweight and comfortable as they hoped when they purchased it. As far as drawbacks go, some customers do say they wish it were a little wider (only those who were hoping for something more like a double hammock—this is a single), and also report that the ropes it comes with are a bit short. So you probably will need to shell out for some separate straps.

Legit Camping Lightweight Portable Double Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.9 / 5.0

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This extremely popular purchase has more than a thousand customer reviews online with a consensus rating of 5 stars out of 5. The price is only $30-$60. While it is significantly heavier than many other “ultralight” camping hammocks, this is only because it is a double hammock rather than a single hammock.

Key Features:

Made from military-grade 210T nylon

​400 pound capacity

Includes an attached sack

What the Legit Camping Lightweight Portable Double Hammock is best for:

This hammock weighs 1.9 pounds, which is about twice the weight of many lightweight hammocks. Again, keep in mind this is because this is a double hammock, and many other lightweight camping hammocks are singles. For a double, it is very lightweight. Buy this if you are looking for an ultralight hammock which provides you with extra space.

Pros and Cons:

This hammock is durably constructed, and customers say that it is breathable and comfortable for one person. A number of buyers did state that it is not really roomy enough for two, but this is a common complaint with double hammocks (it comes down to sleeping preferences as much as hammock design). Buyers also mentioned that the purchase comes with a handy PDF which offers a perfect introduction for users who are new to hammocks. Multiple buyers also said that customer service was amazing following up with their purchases and making sure they knew how to set up and use the hammock.

Winner Outfitters Double Camping Lightweight Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.8 / 5.0

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Arguably an even better option than the Legit Camping Lightweight Portable Double Hammock above is this one. The Winner Outfitters Double camping Lightweight Hammock has hundreds of positive reviews with a consensus rating of 5/5 stars. You can buy it for just $20-$30, which makes it an amazing value. It is available in a variety of colors, and weighs even less than the Legit Camping hammock, coming in at just 1.4 pounds (not including straps and carabiners).

Key Features:

What the Winner Outfitters Double Camping Lightweight Hammock is best for:

This is a good hammock to purchase if you want something roomier than a single camping hammock, but you want to keep the weight as low as possible for long backpacking treks.

Pros and Cons:

On the whole, the vast majority of customer reviews for this hammock are overwhelmingly positive. Customers report the hammock is sturdy and extremely comfortable. There are however a few buyers who have mentioned a couple of concerning problems: deformed carabiners and worn ropes—almost as if they were sent used and returned hammocks instead of new ones. Thankfully the company apparently responds fast to complaints, and will issue a replacement for free upon request.

Best Bridge Hammocks:

Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock

OUR REVIEW: 4.3 / 5.0

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On the whole, bridge hammocks are a lot less common than their gathered end counterparts, so there are not as many options out there. One of the best that I did find is the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock. As is common with bridge hammocks, this one is more expensive than the gathered end hammocks I have featured in this list. As of the time of this review, it will cost $150-$200 (reviews do indicate that it sometimes goes on sale for less than that, so you may want to keep an eye on the price). More than a hundred buyers online have given it a consensus rating of 4.5 stars.

Key Features:

What the Lawson Hammock Blue Ridge Camping Hammock is best for:

You should consider purchasing a bridge hammock like this one if you find the design of gathered end hammocks uncomfortable and confining. This type of hammock gives you a flatter sleeping surface, and may therefore be preferable if you have certain back, neck or shoulder problems.

Pros and Cons:

This hammock is wide and spacious, and even includes large interior pockets which you can use to hold beverages or other useful items. The tarp provides you with cover against sun or rain, but still allows for ample airflow. Customers praise the stability, and also comment that the bug netting works very well. As far as drawbacks, the main one is the weight, which is a problem for all bridge hammocks. Exchanging the ropes for lighter straps can reduce the weight significantly, as can replacing the included spreader bars with carbon fiber bars.

Best Camping Hammocks for Mosquitoes:

Rusee Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net

OUR REVIEW: 4.1 / 5.0

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While the bridge hammock above includes a bug net, most buyers will be interested in a gathered end model. While you can purchase a bug net optionally for many hammocks, there are a few gathered end models which include one, one of which is theRusee Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net. This hammock has an average of 4 out of 5 stars, and has received hundreds of reviews online. You can buy it for $20-$50 in eight different colors.

Key Features:

What the Rusee Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net is best for:

As this hammock does not include a rain fly, but does come with a mosquito net, it is ideal for camping in locations without a lot of precipitation where bugs are a problem.

Pros and Cons:

Customers say that the hammock is sturdy and that the stitches are high in quality with tight seams. The zippers are high in quality as well, and do not leave any gaps when you pull them closed. This is important, as bugs can sneak in through zipper gaps. The netting adequately screens out insects while still allowing airflow, ideal for hot and humid locations. Customers say the net is very effective, and that they are able to enjoy bug-free rest in the hammock.

On the downside, this hammock is smaller and shorter than many others, so it may not be suitable for everyone. It also does not include any tree straps, so you will have to buy them separately. Because of its smaller size however, it is very lightweight and compact.

Dayincar Camping Hammock With Mosquito Net

OUR REVIEW: 4.1 / 5.0

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Another camping hammock which you can purchase with a mosquito net is the Dayincar Camping Hammock. This one sells in the $15-$60 range (a stellar deal at the lower end of the price range), and has received an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from customers online. It is available in several different colors.

Key Features:

Weight capacity of 264 pounds, strength-tested to 330 pounds

​Includes a sack

Includes ropes, but not straps

What the Dayincar Camping Hammock With Mosquito Net is best for:

As with the hammock above, you should use this one in a location where you are expecting mosquitoes and other insects to interfere with your sleep, but not precipitation. Note that the measurements for this hammock are only 2.5 feet wide by 7 feet wide, making it somewhat smaller than a lot of other single hammocks on this list. This means that it is not adequately large to support a taller or heavier person who needs more space to lie flat diagonally. It is best for someone with a smaller stature. Buy it for a child, or for yourself if you are petite.

Pros and Cons:

The biggest advantages with this hammock are the price and the effectiveness of the mosquito net, which includes a convenient double zipper. Customers also say they like the camo pattern. That pattern does not match the one currently on some online photos but multiple buyers said they say they prefer it over the one in the promo shots. You will need to decide if this is something you are willing to take a chance on.

There are however several disadvantages. The first is that you cannot optionally detach the mosquito netting. The second is that you will probably find yourself needing to purchase higher quality suspension straps. The third is of course the size, which is not appropriate for every user.

Conclusion: Sleep More Soundly and Wake Up Refreshed With a Camping Hammock

Most of us were brought up with tent camping, so we simply assume that a hammock won’t compare. But in reality, a hammock is easier to set up, and makes it possible to camp anywhere you have two trees to string it between. Purchasing a hammock which is the right size and which offers you sufficient weight capacity is essential. But when you do, you will find yourself with a sleeping surface which is far more comfortable than the hard ground. You will sleep more deeply and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized, ready to take on the miles ahead on the trail.